Stamp Duty and Registration for Rental Agreement in Maharashtra 2025

Rent agreement stamp paper is one of the most important parts of renting a home in Maharashtra. Whether you’re a landlord or a tenant, understanding how stamp duty works, what the registration process involves, and how the online registered rent agreement system functions can save you both time and money.

Read the blog to learn everything about the rent agreement stamp paper: from the rent agreement stamp paper amount and lease agreement stamp paper value, to the latest IGR rent agreement rules, how to properly register an agreement, and the specific costs of a rent agreement in Pune and across the rest of Maharashtra.

What is Stamp Duty?

Stamp duty is a government tax that makes documents legally valid and enforceable in court. In the case of rental agreements, it is a fee paid on the rent agreement stamp paper to recognize the contract between landlord and tenant. The amount is calculated as a percentage of the total rent, deposits, and other considerations under the agreement. Without paying the correct stamp duty, the document is not admissible as evidence in legal disputes, which means neither party can fully rely on it for protection. Essentially, stamp duty ensures the agreement is both lawful and binding.

What’s a Leave and Licence Agreement?

In Maharashtra, a rental contract is typically framed as a leave and licence agreement. It’s basically an authorization—landlords (licensors) let tenants (licensees) stay on the property for a fixed duration in exchange for rent.

For it to be legally valid, you need two things:

• Rent Agreement Stamp Paper: A paper indicating that you’ve paid the required stamp duty.
• Registration: If the agreement is longer than 11 months (or the lease exceeds 12 months), it must be registered with the sub-registrar.

How is the Rent Agreement Stamp Paper Value Decided?

The stamp paper value for a rent agreement depends on:

• The property’s location (urban or rural area),
• The duration of the agreement, and
• The annual rent plus deposit amount.

These factors together determine the stamp duty and registration charges payable for the agreement.

How Much is Stamp Duty on Rent Agreements in Maharashtra?

Stamp duty on a leave and licence agreement is charged at 0.25% of the total rent for the entire agreement period – this includes any non‑refundable deposit and a 10% notional interest on refundable deposits.

Here’s how it breaks down by duration:

• Up to 5 years: 0.25% of total rent + deposit value
• 5 to 10 years: 0.50%
• More than 10 years: 1.00%

For example, if rent is ₹25,000/month for 2 years (24 months) and there’s a refundable deposit of ₹2,00,000:

• Total rent = ₹25,000 × 24 = ₹6,00,000
• Notional interest = 10% × ₹2,00,000 × 2 = ₹40,000
• Total amount subject to stamp duty = ₹6,40,000
• Stamp duty (at 0.25%) = ₹1,600 

What’s the Registration Cost?

Registration is a separate fee, required for leases longer than 11 months. Here’s the breakdown:

• In municipal corporation areas (e.g., Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur): ₹1,000
• In rural areas: ₹500

Typically, the tenant pays both stamp duty and registration charges, unless the agreement says otherwise.

Can You Register Online? What’s IGR Rent Agreement 2.0?

Yes, registration can now be done online via the IGR Maharashtra portal. To use it:

Step 1: Go to the official IGR portal (https://efilingigr.maharashtra.gov.in/ereg/) and look for the “Leave and License 2.0” or “e‑Payment for Stamp Duty and Registration Fees”.

Step 2: Create a profile and fill in property and agreement details.

Step 3: Pay stamp duty + registration in one go through net banking, UPI, or card.

Step 4: Download the digital stamp certificate and schedule biometric verification if required (varying by district).

Step 5: Complete registration and get your online registered rent agreement.

You’ll need standard documents (ID proofs, property documents, photographs) for both landlord and tenant.

Stamp Duty in Maharashtra: Ways to Pay

In Maharashtra, stamp duty on rent agreements can be paid in three ways: e-stamping, non-judicial stamp paper, and franking.

• Non-judicial stamp paper: The agreement is printed on stamp paper with all leave and licence details, signed by both parties (executants), and registered with the Sub-Registrar Office (SRO) within four months.
• Franking: The agreement is printed on plain paper and submitted to an authorised bank. The bank uses a franking machine to mark the document as duty paid.
• E-stamping: The most convenient option, where payment is made online and a digital certificate is generated.

Why Rent Agreement Stamp Paper Matters

• For tenants: Registered agreements are strong legal protection. It prevents unfair eviction, arbitrary rent hikes, and is solid proof of your stay.
• For landlords: It protects against encroachment and dispute, and ensures a binding legal thread throughout the lease period.

Also, unregistered agreements (beyond 11 months) are not legally enforceable in court.

Step-By-Step: What to Do Now

1. Calculate your total payable:
   • Monthly rent × number of months
   • Add a non-refundable deposit
   • Compute 10% × refundable deposit × years (if applicable)
   • Sum these for “D”
   • Stamp duty = D × applicable rate (0.25%, 0.50%, or 1%)
2. Pay stamp duty and get rent agreement stamp paper—either physically or via e-stamp.
3. Register:
   • Municipal area: ₹1,000
   • Rural: ₹500
4. Register online:
   • Sign in to the IGR Maharashtra portal
   • Submit details, pay, upload docs, complete biometric (if needed)
5. Get your online registered rent agreement—save and share with the tenant or landlord.

Registration of Rental Agreements in Maharashtra

According to Section 17 of the Indian Registration Act, all leases of immovable property for one year or more must be registered. Maharashtra takes this a step further. Under Section 55 of the Maharashtra Rent Control Act, 1999, every tenancy or leave and licence agreement must be in writing and registered, regardless of its duration.

The responsibility of registration lies with the landlord. Failure to comply can result in:

• A penalty of ₹5,000
• Imprisonment of up to three months

If the agreement is not registered and a dispute arises, the tenant’s version of the terms will be treated as correct unless the landlord can prove otherwise.

Is a Rent Agreement Mandatory in Maharashtra?

Yes. A rent agreement is critical for preventing and resolving disputes. While many agreements in Maharashtra are made for 11 months to avoid mandatory registration under central law, the state’s rules make registration compulsory for all rent agreements, regardless of duration.

If you’re renting a property in Mumbai, Pune, or any other city, it’s essential to know the applicable stamp duty and registration charges. Online services now make creating and registering rent agreements much easier and faster.

Draft Model Tenancy Act and Its Impact

The Model Tenancy Act, 2019, is designed to reform India’s rental housing market. Once adopted by states, it could bring major changes in Maharashtra too. The Act aims to unlock over one crore vacant houses tied up under outdated rental laws, encourage more homes to enter the rental market, and attract investment into real estate.

Understanding rent agreement stamp paper, stamp duty, and the registration process in Maharashtra is not just a formality—it’s a legal safeguard for both landlords and tenants. Whether you are renting out a flat in Pune or moving into a house in Mumbai, paying the right stamp paper value and completing the online registered rent agreement process ensures that your rights are protected and disputes can be resolved fairly.

With the introduction of the IGR Maharashtra online system, the process has become quicker, more transparent, and easier to complete from the comfort of your home. Skipping registration or stamp duty may save you a little in the short run, but it can lead to heavy penalties and legal troubles later.

FAQs about Stamp Duty and Registration for Rental Agreement in Maharashtra